Brigadier General Terry R. Tillis, a Sanford, Florida native, began his military career as an Armor Officer after graduating from the University of Central Florida. He has served in multiple command and staff positions, including deployments supporting national defense. BG Tillis holds degrees from the University of Central Florida, the University of Southern California, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Naval War College. His military education includes Airborne and Ranger Schools, the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Captains Career Course, and advanced studies at the Marine Corps and Naval War Colleges.

Dr. Mike Finnegan is an Assistant Professor in the Staley School of Leadership. He is a recipient of the Kansas State University Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Currently, Dr. Finnegan teaches Introduction to Leadership Concepts, Senior Seminar, and a Strengths Cat Community. He has delivered numerous keynote presentations and community leadership workshops on coaching, strengths-based leadership teams, adaptive leadership, and the ethical dimensions of leadership. He is a co-author of, “Developing Knowledgeable, Ethical, Caring, and Inclusive Leaders.” and currently serves as the director of the K-State Strengths initiative aimed at increasing student engagement and well-being.

Sue Peterson is the Chief Government Relations Officer, Assistant to the President, Emeritus at Kansas State University, where she served from 1989 to 2023. She joined K-State from the Office of Kansas Governor Mike Hayden and led the university’s legislative and governmental affairs at the state and federal levels. After leaving K-State, Sue founded Amethyst Axiom, a government relations firm specializing in state legislative strategy. During the 2024 legislative session, she lobbied for the Kansas Association of Community Colleges. In 2025, she joined Foulston Siefkin, LLP as a Government Affairs Consultant. Sue was a founding member of the Kansas Board of Regents Council on Governmental Relations and the Big XII Council of Governmental Relations Officers. She has served on multiple national higher education policy committees and received numerous honors, including the CGA Career Excellence Award and the Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson Achievement Award. She currently teaches in K-State’s Political Science Department. Sue holds degrees from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. She and her husband, Charlie, reside in Manhattan.

Tom Phillips moved to Manhattan in 1992 after serving as the Director of Planning & Development in Lenexa, Kansas. He owns Phillips & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in community planning across the Midwest. A certified planner, he has held leadership roles in the Kansas Chapter of the American Planning Association. Tom earned a BS in Geography and a Master’s in Regional and Community Planning from Kansas State University. He is married to Dr. Debra Doubek and has two sons, Nathan and Neil. Active in the community, Tom serves as a Trustee for the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and is a past President of the Manhattan Boys and Girls Club. He has also been involved with the United Way, Manhattan Konza Rotary Club, and various city boards. From 2012 to 2018, Tom represented the 67th district in the Kansas House of Representatives, serving as Assistant Majority Leader and Vice Chairman of the Taxation Committee.

Chad Currier is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of experience leading IT, infrastructure, and cybersecurity strategy across higher education and healthcare. He has successfully driven large-scale cloud migrations, led enterprise modernization initiatives, and implemented security and compliance frameworks aligned with NIST, HIPAA, and GLBA standards. Chad is currently focused on the evolving intersection of AI, technology, and business risk. In his talk, “AI at the Edge: Understanding the Risks and Realities of Generative AI in IT,” he’ll share his perspective on how leaders can move beyond the hype to understand real-world risks, identify practical use cases, and lead responsibly in the age of AI.

Described as a “hard-core” entrepreneur since age six, Dave Dreiling grew up in small-town Kansas, learning business in his parents’ clothing stores. After earning a Marketing degree from Kansas State University in 1989, he co-founded It’s Greek To Me, selling decorated sportswear from a van. The company, later known as GTM Sportswear, grew at 25% annually for 27 years, becoming Manhattan’s largest private employer with 600+ team members before its sale to Hanes Brands in 2016. Dave’s latest venture, Booth Creek Wagyu, is a vertically integrated luxury beef company. Since opening its first retail location in Manhattan in 2021, it has expanded to Overland Park, Wichita (with The Seafood Shop acquisition), and Prairie Village.

Chris, originally from Olathe, moved to Manhattan in 2006 to study at Kansas State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship. While gaining business knowledge, he stayed connected to construction through various jobs, fueling his passion for bringing projects to life. For the past 10 years, Chris has focused on sales at Fox Home Innovations and now serves as Sales Manager while handling ownership responsibilities. He holds a Class B general contractor’s license, participates in local leadership organizations, and continuously seeks growth as a leader. Passionate about people, he helps shape the company’s vision to serve both clients and team members.

Tiffany Oppelt is the owner of TheraPie, a local pie bakery in Manhattan. Originally from Parsons, KS, she earned a degree in Hospitality Management from Kansas State University, studying Culinary Arts in Florence, Italy. She built her career as a Managing Partner at Longhorn Steakhouse and later as a Culinary Operations Manager at K-State Dining Services. In 2020, Tiffany launched TheraPie from a licensed home kitchen, growing it into a beloved local business with over 100 pie recipes and opening a storefront in 2023. She partners with women- and minority-owned businesses to foster community and spread joy. Passionate about leadership, she earned a Teach Leadership Certificate from the Kansas Leadership Center, provides consulting services, and completed the SBA Thrive program. She serves on the KSU Hospitality Management Advisory Board, the Riley County KSRE Executive Board, and the Manhattan Chamber’s Small Business Council.

Marshall Stewart is a nationally recognized leader in higher education and university stakeholder engagement, dedicated to supporting and strengthening land-grant institutions. As Kansas State University’s first executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff, he serves as the president’s principal liaison with university, government, and community leadership. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural education and a doctorate in education with an emphasis in agricultural and extension education, all from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Emily Lehning is driven to help individual and organizations advance toward their goals. Emily draws on her degrees in agriculture and education and 20 years of practice in higher education to offer clients insights and develop strategy to empower their organizations, employees and projects. A developer at heart, Emily seeks opportunities to promote organizational and individual excellence through a strengths-based approach. She is a partner with Roots & Legacies Consulting and is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach.

Brandon Savage is the Head of Solution Enablement at VOZIQ, an AI-powered predictive customer retention solution provider. He is also an award-winning instructor in the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University and has taught Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business Ethics, Business Strategy, Project Management, and Business Presentation Skills. He has held executive and senior management roles in Operations and Customer Experience at Devcon Security, My Alarm Center, Livewatch, and Vivint. He received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a dual major in Strategic Management and Operations/Information Management. He received an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Manhattan, KS and have eight children and three cats.

Taylor J. Overton is the Director of the Kansas Entrepreneurship & Small Business Office at the Kansas Department of Commerce. She is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and small business growth, dedicated to creating opportunities that empower business owners to succeed. Overton leads statewide efforts to strengthen the small business ecosystem, expand market opportunities, and connect entrepreneurs with essential resources. With a background in procurement and supply chain development, Overton has developed and implemented education and training programs. These initiatives assist small businesses in navigating procurement processes, forming robust supply chain partnerships, and securing valuable contracting opportunities. Her expertise and leadership consistently facilitate growth for small businesses, equipping them to overcome challenges and capitalize on new prospects.

A third-generation Kansan, Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan is the president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), an internationally recognized center of excellence for leadership development and civic engagement. She previously served as the inaugural chief impact officer. Her work fosters civic leadership for stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities in Kansas and beyond.

Nancy grew up on a ranch in the Flint Hills and moved to Manhattan to attend Kansas State University, where she quickly found a second home. After earning her degree, she briefly left Manhattan before returning in 1990 to begin her career at BBN Architects Inc. She is now a Partner and serves as Director of Marketing. An active member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Nancy joined the Board in 2020 and the Executive Committee in 2023. She will serve as Chair in 2026. She previously served six years on the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Committee, chaired the Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership, and remains on its Board.

Brad is an Engagement & Ownership Strategist at Custom Wood Products, dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that drives employee investment, productivity, and long-term success. With expertise in organizational development, leadership communication, and strategic planning, he helps employees feel valued and empowered, leading to greater collaboration and efficiency. A retired Army soldier, Brad brings leadership experience, discipline, and strategic thinking to the corporate world. His military service instilled teamwork, mission-driven focus, and resilience—qualities that help shape a culture of engagement. By applying principles of leadership, adaptability, and empowerment, he creates an environment where employees feel valued, accountable, and fully invested.

Craig Lauppe is the Owner and CEO of Iron Gate Collective Inc., overseeing multiple real estate-related businesses in the Manhattan, KS area, including Cobalt Real Estate Management, Titanium Painting and Construction, Gray Lane Homes, and Copper Hill Cleaning. A Manhattan resident since childhood, Craig married his high school sweetheart, Lindsay, and they have two daughters. He earned a degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in leadership studies from Kansas State University in 2010. The same day he graduated, he launched his real estate management company and later obtained his residential general contractor license.

Vincent Haworth is the Director of the Capital Access Center for the Kansas SBDC. He began his KSBDC career in July 2020 starting up the Capital Access Center, which is one of only seven such existing specialty centers within the ASBDC footprint. Before arriving at KSBDC , Vincent has been a banking professional for over 24 years specializing in SBA and Conventional lending. Before starting a banking career, Haworth owned and operated a talent acquisition and music management company for thirteen years. Vincent is a lifelong Kansan and has been married for 26 years with a Senior daughter who is the featured twirler at Pittsburg State University.

Kevin Ingram became President of Manhattan Christian College in July 2006. A 1986 MCC graduate with a degree in Bible Ministries and Church Music, he later earned a Master’s in New Testament from Johnson Bible College in 2002. Active in the community, Ingram is a small group leader at University Christian Church, a member of the Manhattan Rotary Club, and a trustee of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. He has also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and holds leadership roles in statewide and national Christian organizations.

Matt and Ali Goss are a dynamic husband-and-wife team deeply rooted in the Manhattan, Kansas, community, where they have been residents for over 25 years. Together, they own and operate Syndicate Tattoo and Enamored by Ali, two businesses that reflect their dedication to the art of tattooing and enhancing personal confidence through body art. Matt Goss began his tattooing career in 2005 and founded Syndicate Tattoo in 2010 with the mission of creating a welcoming environment that challenges traditional stereotypes associated with tattoo shops. He specializes in geometric designs, mandalas, florals, and cover-ups, continually seeking to learn new styles and techniques to bring clients’ unique tattoo ideas to life. Beyond traditional tattooing, Matt has engaged in paramedical tattooing, offering services such as areola reconstruction and scar camouflage to assist individuals recovering from medical procedures. His commitment to using his skills for community benefit is further exemplified through his work with survivors of human trafficking, providing tattoo cover-ups to help them reclaim their bodies and identities. Ali Goss is a licensed cosmetic tattoo artist and the founder of Enamored by Ali, a cosmetic tattooing business operating alongside Syndicate Tattoo. Her passion lies in enhancing people’s natural beauty through permanent makeup, specializing in techniques such as microblading, powder, and ombré eyebrows. Ali’s approach focuses on creating natural effects that subtly accentuate her clients’ features, helping them feel more confident in their skin. Together, Matt and Ali have four children and share a love for camping, hiking, traveling, and supporting local restaurants in Manhattan. Their collaborative efforts in both their personal and professional lives have made a significant impact on their community, offering a range of tattooing services that cater to both artistic expression and personal healing.

Jonathan serves as a Senior Executive Assistant at CivicPlus providing c-level administrative support and project management. Prior to this role, Jonathan worked at the Kansas Health Foundation as a public health associate program officer, and at Wichita Habitat for Humanity as their volunteer coordinator and AmeriCorps host-site manager. A proud husband to Ashley and father to Josslyn, Savannah, and Madeline, he lives in Council Grove, KS. Jonathan graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and a Masters in Business Administration from Friends University. He currently serves on the Board of the Council Grove Community Arts Council.

Kohlmeier joined Florence Corporation in September 2003 and has led various business functions over the years including sales, customer service, marketing, and product/market development. Today, she is responsible for customer experience which includes customer service for channel partners and end-customers, special product supply agreements, and customer-related business systems for Florence and Architectural Mailboxes businesses which form the Mail & Package Solutions Group for Gibraltar Industries. Prior to joining Florence, Kohlmeier was Economic Development Director at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and also held a number of management roles over 17 years with Western Resources (Evergy). She currently serves as a Trustee on the Manhattan Community Foundation and FHSU Foundation, is a member of the Midwest Dream Car Collection Board and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee. Stacy holds a bachelors' degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University.

Shawn Dryden, principal and owner as well as director of web and creative development, designs and builds award-winning, standards-compliant, custom websites with content management systems. Shawn is also a graphic artist who has brought his design sensibilities and digital outreach expertise to over 160 NBCG sites.

Senior project manager and editor Sarah Caldwell Hancock collaborates with the rest of the NBCG team to make sure clients' needs are met and expectations are exceeded. She brings more than 25 years of experience in publishing, editing, teaching, writing and communications in technology, higher education and healthcare. Sarah enjoys both big-picture strategic communication and nuts-and-bolts content development and editing, and she provides a final set of eyes to make sure everything is perfect and polished.